Patricia A. McCauley, age 81 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Mercy Health Hospital in Rockford, IL. She was born February 18, 1937; the daughter of the late Gerald and Anna (Rohde) O'Connell. She graduated from Aquin High School in Freeport and attended the University of Iowa. She later attended Harper College in Chicago. Patricia married Ivan McCauley on February 27, 1960; he passed on November 26, 1983.

She had farmed alongside her husband. She also worked for the Freeport Journal Standard, the Volunteer Newspaper, Neiman Marcus, Rand Pool and Patio, and for the VA Hospital near the Great Lakes Naval Base. Patricia and Ivan operated the sound systems for the Stephenson and Carroll County Fairs for many years. She was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Freeport and in later years attended St. Patrick's Irish Grove and St. Mary's in Durand. She was an avid reader and loved to tell stories. She also enjoyed knitting, baking, and collecting dolls and elephants. She had a memorable laugh and a great sense of humor. She was a devoted mother, raising and caring for her children.

She is survived by her sons, Tim (Shelley Nelson) McCauley of Janesville, WI and Steve (Sade) McCauley of Dakota; daughter, Kathy (Lee) Sowder of Charlotte Hall, MD; grandchildren, Lance & Casey and Brandi & Paige; great grandchildren, Lacey & Ava and Jordan & Aubrey; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ivan; sons, Michael, Daniel, and Christopher; infant son, James; and sister, Judy Flynn.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 19, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota. The funeral service will be Monday, August 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Dakota Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.walkermortuary.com.